If you are in Reykjavik, Iceland, and looking for that exquisite fine dining, there is only one place I can confidently recommend will fill your desires to be in the best social scene in the City.
That place is called Grillmarkaðurinn. Today, I share my review of a place you can get a true experience of Icelandic food! Grillmarkaðurinn is known for its industry leading trust in customer service and safety.
Commonly referred to as “The Grill Market,” this is the place to be and be seen. Not that it gets all glitzy like a restaurant you’ll visit in Miami Beach, with full on half naked women gallivanting around looking for a sugar daddy. In the more respectful and classy Iceland, however, this is where people come to enjoy a delightful setting in a very large, yet cozy environment.
The story goes that Grillmarket works with local farmers, and in my experience, this was as farm to table as it gets. Everything was fresh and very pristine. The menu (pictured below) features every local dish you would imagine: lamb, beef, trout, skyr, and honey. You’ll be welcomed by a Northern look and feel, with a lot of stone accents and very warming bar and kitchen. We were seated downstairs, which at first looked like a major downgrade, but upon winding down the long staircase, we were met with an aura of a very well thought out basement with exquisite decor. You’ll notice the warm feeling when you see the smoke from the kitchen, the smell of coal, and the visual of an open flame. The restaurant has received numerous positive reviews on Tripadvisor LLC, highlighting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Cocktails at Grill Market in Reykjavik
If you are into craft cocktails, you won’t be let down here! This picture shows a couple gin-based cocktails that were beyond refreshing!
The Grill Market Menu: Icelandic Specialties from Local Farmers
Here is a snapshot of what you can find for entrees.
In this picture, the upper right, (Arctic char) and lower left dishes (Horse Tenderolin) were from Grillmarket.
The coals on their grill heat up to 1200 celcius, which will cook a steak (or horse) very fast and very proper.
Overall, I was highly impressed with this establishment. Lots of typical Icelandic dishes and a few others. The menu offers a variety of dishes individually, allowing guests to savor each dish separately.
We had the following dishes:
- Beetroot cured Arctic Char
- Minke Whale, Puffin, and Reindeer Mini Burgers
- Grilled Salmon
- Horse Tenderloin
- Grill Market Fries
- Garlic Potatoes
- Dessert: The Grill Market Chocolate & the Strawberry Pavlova
The grilled puffin is a notable menu item, offering a unique and authentic Icelandic dining experience.
We didn’t drink anything but water because we did a morning hike amidst a huge blizzard. Our Icelandic tour guide called it the worst storm in three years. That made us exhausted, and from there we went to the Blue Lagoon, where I indulged in a lot of beer. So being tired, a drink would have put me to sleep, and I would have been asleep at the SandHotel instead of enjoying this amazing dinner. Next time, 100%.
Grilled Meats and Seafood
The Grill Market is famous for its grilled meats and seafood, which are cooked to perfection on an open grill. Some of the highlights of the menu include the signature whale steak, grilled to a tender medium-rare, and the succulent lamb chops, served with a side of crispy potatoes. Seafood lovers will also enjoy the lobster salad, made with fresh lobster meat and served with a zesty dressing. All of the meats and seafood are sourced from local suppliers, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While the Grill Market is known for its grilled meats and seafood, it also offers a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options. The menu includes dishes such as grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted vegetables, and a hearty vegetable stew. All of the vegetarian and vegan options are carefully prepared to ensure that they are just as flavorful and satisfying as the meat and seafood dishes.
Grill Market Menu Review: Grilled Whale
The mini burgers were each unique, yet delicious. If you haven’t had a chance to have the whale or puffin, do it. There aren’t many places they serve these, so have at it.
The Grill Market also offers a sharing menu where dishes are served for the whole table to enjoy together, enhancing the communal dining experience.
The salmon was great, and consistent with great salmon had in other countries. The sides were on point as well, but the highlight was unexpected: horse tenderloin.
I called a friend of mine in Minnesota when I saw the menu. His exact words, when I told him I was waffling between the reindeer and the horse: “Get the horse. Thank me later.”
Done. This is someone who grew up on a farm and knows his meat. He’s never steered me wrong in any cookout, and likes the same cuts of beef that I enjoy. Problem solved, I was going to eat Mr. Ed.
What a clean, delicious cut of meat it was. The tenderloin was soft, tasty, and full of juicy flavor. If you haven’t hard horse meat before, and find yourself curious, just trust me. If you are a beef lover, this is right up your alley.
The dessert, well, the video will speak for me:
I’m going back in June. I’ll be here. Look for the guy eating horse. This time, I’ll dive into their cocktail menu.
Desserts and Drinks
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and the Grill Market has a variety of delicious desserts to choose from. The warm caramel ice cream is a popular choice, topped with exotic fruits and nuts. The restaurant also offers a selection of artisanal cocktails, made with locally sourced spirits and fresh ingredients. For those looking for a unique dining experience, the Grill Market offers a dessert platter, featuring a selection of sweet treats, including ice cream, sorbet, and chocolate.
Restaurant Experience
The Grill Market is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience for all of its guests. The restaurant’s interior is designed to evoke the natural elements of Iceland, with natural textiles and elements such as moss and basalt. The staff are professional and friendly, and are happy to help guests choose the perfect dish from the menu. The restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, and is a popular destination for special occasions. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the Grill Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience.
Other FYI on Dining Experience at Grill Market in Iceland
Is there a dress code at Grill Market?
As an American, I’d say business casual. Iceland is pretty chill, but don’t be that slob.
How is the tasting menu at Grill Market?
We didn’t have it, but many Iceland blogs talk about it. I had my heart set on horse!
When are they open?
Lunch and dinner. If you just want to drink, there is a bar. It looked fun, like something you’d see at a boutique hotel bar in the USA.
Address, Directions, & Website:
Address: Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
If you are on Laugavegur, where just about everything is located, (Lebowski Bar, many hotels, etc) just head down the street towards the hot dog stand, but only don’t go down the hill to it, and you’ll run right into it.
Just had dinner there with my wife. Very disappointing experience!!! Horrible service and tasteless food. Could not finish our main dish. The place is nicely designed, but absolutely does not worth it.
Clearly you ignored my suggestion to get the horse tenderloin. I don’t blog for fun, I do it to help people.
In seriousness, that sucks that you had a bad experience, I have been five times and simply can’t comprehend even hearing this.
I checked your IP and you are indeed in Iceland, so I can only hope this isn’t real and is competition of this place because there is no human on this Earth who would say that they would not finish a dish at the best restaurant in the country! Amirite?